Australians brace to elect new govt

Melbourne, July 1

Millions of Australians were bracing for a key election that pits Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull against Labour Opposition leader Bill Shorten, who is vying to become the country’s fifth premier in three years, with polls indicating that the vote may be too close to call.

Over 1.5 crore people are expected to exercise their votes tomorrow with over 1,600 candidates, including five of Indian-origin, contesting from over 55 political parties. The main contest is between Turnbull and his Conservative coalition against a Labour Opposition led by Shorten.

Britain’s decision to leave the European Union prompted Australia’s political leaders to re-emphasise their economic security credentials ahead of the election this Saturday.

Turnbull has urged the Australians to look for stability and re-elect his Conservative coalition which dumped the country’s last prime minister less than a year ago. Shorten said the ruling coalition is deeply divided so Labour could give a more stable government.

The polls will elect all 226 members, including 150 for the Lower House of the 45th Parliament, after an eight-week official campaign period following the double dissolution announced by Prime Minister Turnbull in April this year. In the 150-seat House of Representatives, Labour currently holds 55 seats, the coalition 90 and five seats are held by minor parties or Independents.

Major issues of economy, cost of living, education, climate change, Great Barrier Reef, health, house affordability, gay marriage and asylum seekers dominated the debate between Australia’s two major political groups. — PTI